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Retention of Historic Buildings
Increasing business development in the City and the trend toward central city living has placed many older City buildings at risk. Since the year ending June 1985, 27 historic buildings places or objects listed in the six transitional district schemes and the proposed Christchurch City Plan have been demolished or partially demolished (Table 2.13). Around 105 applications for alterations, additions and relocations of listed buildings, places or objects have also been made during this period. About 50 applications have been made in the last year alone. These applications cover a multitude of effects on heritage building from minor to major structural changes, signage and fire safety alterations.
At present, heritage items under threat of demolition include:
The Preservation of Historic Buildings - Public Perceptions
The 1995 Annual Survey of Residents indicated residents strongly supported Council’s involvement in the preservation of historic buildings. Fifty nine percent of residents supported the continuation of current levels of expenditure while 35 percent supported an increase in spending. Only 5 percent of residents indicated they wanted a reduction in Council expenditure.
Those 35 percent of residents who supported an increase in Council funding were then asked how this additional finance should be raised. Thirty six percent said funding should be transferred from other activities while 42 percent favoured an increase in rates. The remaining 22 percent supported a range of options including the charging of entrance fees or other user charges, general fund raising activities or charges on developers. The residents who supported a rates rise were then asked how large an increase they would sanction. Table 2.14 summarises their response.
| Table 2.13 Demolition of Historic Buildings, Places or Objects ( listed in the Six Transitional Schemes) | ||
| Year ended June | *Demolitions |
|
| 1985 | 5 |
|
| 1986 | 6 |
|
| 1987 | 3 |
|
| 1988 | 2 |
|
| 1989 | 1 |
|
| 1990 | 1 |
|
| 1991 | 0 |
|
| 1992 | 1 |
|
| 1993 | 4 |
|
| 1994 | 2 |
|
| 1995 | 1 |
|
| 1996 | 1 |
|
| Total | 27 |
|
*Includes partial demolitions (ie 50 percent or more of the heritage item)
Source: Christchurch City Council
| Table 2.14 Percentage of Residents Supporting a Rates Rise by Dollar Range to Preserve Historic Buildings. | |
| Rates Increase | Percent Support |
| $1-$5 per year | 46 |
| $6-$10 per year | 37 |
| $11-$15 per year | 5 |
| $16-$20 per year | 7 |
| More than $20 per year | 3 |
| Don’t know | 2 |
Source: Christchurch City Council, Annual Survey of Residents